Following a tumultuous week of heartbreaking losses, bewildering selection calls and outgoing legends, Essendon will reportedly part ways with veteran list boss Adrian Dodoro.
The bombshell report could mark the end of an era that has spanned over three decades. The move comes in the wake of a turbulent week for the Bombers, who are grappling with a series of setbacks that have exposed the club's struggles to reinvent itself.
Dodoro's departure, confirmed by the club on Friday, follows the heartbreaking Round 22 loss to Gold Coast on the siren, which has seemingly extinguished the team's finals aspirations.
The club's decision to omit former captain Dyson Heppell from a farewell game at home has further fuelled discontent among fans, and the resignation of club legend Kevin Sheedy from the Essendon board adds to the air of upheaval.
Dodoro, who began his journey with Essendon in 1988 as a part-time role in the coaching department, has been a pivotal figure in the club's recruiting and list management since 1998. His tenure includes notable successes such as drafting captain Zach Merrett with pick 26 and securing standout talents like Sam Draper and Nic Martin.
Yet, his long-standing role has also been marred by controversy, particularly during the club's turbulent period surrounding the infamous supplement saga, when list moves became paramount to rebuilding the club in 2016.
The news comes under a cloud of questions however, as the same reports of Dodoro's departure surfaced last September, with confirmation that Matt Rosa, previously with Peel Thunder in the WAFL, would succeed Dodoro.
If the latest reports are accurate, Dodoro's transition out of the role would align with a broader strategy to revitalise the team's performance and culture, as the Bombers look to rebuild after years of disappointing results; with no September victory since 2004.
Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo praised Dodoro's contributions, highlighting his resilience and dedication through challenging periods.
“Adrian is a highly respected life member of the Essendon Football Club and has made an enormous contribution to the club and the wider AFL industry during his time in football, including assisting to navigate the club through unprecedented and challenging periods,” Vozzo said.
“Throughout his time at the Bombers, Adrian's commitment and passion to take the club forward in its list management and recruiting, has been unquestionable.
“Some of the champions of Essendon have been identified and selected by Adrian, and we will always be grateful for the important and enduring role he has played.
“On behalf of the entire club we would like to acknowledge Adrian's selfless decision and we look forward to his ongoing contribution to the club.”
However, the departure of both Dodoro and Sheedy, who has also been a divisive figure among fans, signals a possible cultural shift within the club.
As both step back, Essendon is poised at a crossroads. The upcoming draft and trade period will be critical in determining how well the club can leverage these changes to build a competitive team capable of achieving long-awaited success.